Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Posted December 5, 2003
The Plot:
"Max Payne" became a hit with players, offering a third-person shooter that combined strong visuals, exciting gameplay, an interesting story and a memorable main character. As enjoyable as that game was, I doubt anything could have prepared me for quite what "Max Payne 2" would bring. Yes, at the game's core this is a title that functions similarly to the original, but there are a lot of differences that make this into something grander, more vivid and much, much more tense.
Gameplay:
The sequel takes the dark, gritty feel of the original to previously unseen levels, turning the look of the sequel into a Fincher-esque nightmare of darkness and rot. Payne still works for the NYPD, living in an apartment that looks like it's a stone's throw away from falling apart. It's not long before Max finds trouble finding him again, as an early scene not only finds himself stepping into the middle of a mob war, but running into Mona Sax, a woman from Max's past, who may have a lot to do with his future. Segments once again are advanced with graphic novel-type panels offering further story tidbits.
One of the most interesting new elements of the sequel can be viewed early in the game, as many elements of the rooms that Max steps into can be moved. If Max kills an enemy who's standing in front of a stack of boxes, he'll fall into the boxes, which will tumble down on him. The rusted, lonely, desolate look of the original has been taken further here, with even more attention paid to the environments and subtle details. Again, dream sequences are scattered throughout, but these do not require much in the way of effort, instead simply adding a deep, strong sense of unease and dread to the already grim atmosphere.
The original game's addition of "bullet-time" similar to the "Matrix" films (an element that's been used in other games, such as the similar "Dead To Rights", which is going to be made into a movie starring Nicholas Cage, apparently) has been improved here, with new moves, including some very swift, John Woo-esque moves (a quick spin, complete with jacket twirl, completes reloading during bullet time) by Max that add further to the game's sense of style. There's also a new slo-mo leap (left trigger) that doesn't take away from the "bullet time" meter. The weapons selection continues to be highly enjoyable (some minor changes, but mostly the same - in other words, an arsenal), and the level design, combined with the new ability to knock over objects, really combine to create gun battles that are not only intense, but visually spectacular. Occasionally, you'll get a slo-mo shot of a particularly nasty battle. Occasionally, you'll also get other characters to fight alongside you. Enemy AI isn't easy, though: the enemies will be smart in how they attack you, will use cover and rarely do they venture out alone.
The game's only real fault is that it is on the short side. Still, I found the game to provide a satisfying, exciting experience. The sequel goes further into the noir atmosphere that the original tried to create, while also making the game more intense, a bit faster-paced and the story even more twisty and compelling. Yes, it's not dramatically different from the first one, but it does take what the first one did well and add to it successfully.
Graphics:
"Max Payne 2" keeps the style of the first game and improves upon it greatly. Although the original certainly didn't look bad, the sequel presents Max's dark, stormy world with greater attention to detail, which adds to the immersive, noir quality and overall enjoyment. Character models look better here, with more detail and clarity. The big difference is the new physics engine, which allows objects (and people) to (often) be thrown around realistically. This adds quite a bit to the game's action sequences. Max himself also looks crisper and more detailed, with the previously mentioned new coat that flaps as he runs. The game's lighting is excellent, while character animations are very good. Additionally, I was pleased to see the framerate remained solid, even in the most intense action sequences.
Audio:
"Max Payne 2" makes dynamic use of Dolby Digital 5.1 in the XBOX version. Surrounds kick in heavily for some of the gunfights, and the gunfire sound effects remain both powerful and distinct. Voice acting is once again a strength, as the voice work by the actor who plays Max as well as the members of the supporting crew do a believable, professional job.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: "Max Payne 2" is rated "M" (Mature) for intense action, language and graphic violence.
Final Thoughts: While it's not a major departure from the original, I wouldn't expect it to be. "Max Payne 2" goes deeper into the noir underworld that was created for the original, while adding some new improvements to gameplay and graphics. The story pulled me in and hopefully, many others will find it as compelling. Recommended.
"Max Payne" became a hit with players, offering a third-person shooter that combined strong visuals, exciting gameplay, an interesting story and a memorable main character. As enjoyable as that game was, I doubt anything could have prepared me for quite what "Max Payne 2" would bring. Yes, at the game's core this is a title that functions similarly to the original, but there are a lot of differences that make this into something grander, more vivid and much, much more tense.
Gameplay:
The sequel takes the dark, gritty feel of the original to previously unseen levels, turning the look of the sequel into a Fincher-esque nightmare of darkness and rot. Payne still works for the NYPD, living in an apartment that looks like it's a stone's throw away from falling apart. It's not long before Max finds trouble finding him again, as an early scene not only finds himself stepping into the middle of a mob war, but running into Mona Sax, a woman from Max's past, who may have a lot to do with his future. Segments once again are advanced with graphic novel-type panels offering further story tidbits.
One of the most interesting new elements of the sequel can be viewed early in the game, as many elements of the rooms that Max steps into can be moved. If Max kills an enemy who's standing in front of a stack of boxes, he'll fall into the boxes, which will tumble down on him. The rusted, lonely, desolate look of the original has been taken further here, with even more attention paid to the environments and subtle details. Again, dream sequences are scattered throughout, but these do not require much in the way of effort, instead simply adding a deep, strong sense of unease and dread to the already grim atmosphere.
The original game's addition of "bullet-time" similar to the "Matrix" films (an element that's been used in other games, such as the similar "Dead To Rights", which is going to be made into a movie starring Nicholas Cage, apparently) has been improved here, with new moves, including some very swift, John Woo-esque moves (a quick spin, complete with jacket twirl, completes reloading during bullet time) by Max that add further to the game's sense of style. There's also a new slo-mo leap (left trigger) that doesn't take away from the "bullet time" meter. The weapons selection continues to be highly enjoyable (some minor changes, but mostly the same - in other words, an arsenal), and the level design, combined with the new ability to knock over objects, really combine to create gun battles that are not only intense, but visually spectacular. Occasionally, you'll get a slo-mo shot of a particularly nasty battle. Occasionally, you'll also get other characters to fight alongside you. Enemy AI isn't easy, though: the enemies will be smart in how they attack you, will use cover and rarely do they venture out alone.
The game's only real fault is that it is on the short side. Still, I found the game to provide a satisfying, exciting experience. The sequel goes further into the noir atmosphere that the original tried to create, while also making the game more intense, a bit faster-paced and the story even more twisty and compelling. Yes, it's not dramatically different from the first one, but it does take what the first one did well and add to it successfully.
Graphics:
"Max Payne 2" keeps the style of the first game and improves upon it greatly. Although the original certainly didn't look bad, the sequel presents Max's dark, stormy world with greater attention to detail, which adds to the immersive, noir quality and overall enjoyment. Character models look better here, with more detail and clarity. The big difference is the new physics engine, which allows objects (and people) to (often) be thrown around realistically. This adds quite a bit to the game's action sequences. Max himself also looks crisper and more detailed, with the previously mentioned new coat that flaps as he runs. The game's lighting is excellent, while character animations are very good. Additionally, I was pleased to see the framerate remained solid, even in the most intense action sequences.
Audio:
"Max Payne 2" makes dynamic use of Dolby Digital 5.1 in the XBOX version. Surrounds kick in heavily for some of the gunfights, and the gunfire sound effects remain both powerful and distinct. Voice acting is once again a strength, as the voice work by the actor who plays Max as well as the members of the supporting crew do a believable, professional job.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: "Max Payne 2" is rated "M" (Mature) for intense action, language and graphic violence.
Final Thoughts: While it's not a major departure from the original, I wouldn't expect it to be. "Max Payne 2" goes deeper into the noir underworld that was created for the original, while adding some new improvements to gameplay and graphics. The story pulled me in and hopefully, many others will find it as compelling. Recommended.